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Friday, January 31, 2014

Portland, Maine - It was announced today that Oakhurst was acquired by Dairy Farmers of America, a national dairy farmer-owned cooperative. Oakhurst will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America and will continue to operate independently. The Bennett family, which has owned Oakhurst since 1921, and the existing management team will continue to manage the company’s day-to-day operations. John Bennett and Tom Brigham will continue in their role as Co-Presidents.

According to Oakhurst Chairman of the Board Bill Bennett, “For more than 90 years and three generations, my family has worked hard to build a strong local brand that Maine families trust. We are pleased to entrust the farm families of Dairy Farmers of America to continue our commitment.

Bennett continued: “This was a big decision for our family, but we believe it is what’s best for the future of the company. Farmer-owned Dairy Farmers of America understands the importance of supporting local farmers and our community and has the financial strength to fuel new opportunities for growth and improvements in our Maine and New England operations. Oakhurst will continue to contribute to organizations that support healthy kids and the environment.”

All 200 employees at the company will retain their positions. Oakhurst will remain committed to its pledge not to use artificial growth hormone in its milk and will continue to source its milk from the 70 independent Maine farmers that currently supply the company. Processing and bottling will continue at the company’s Portland, Maine location.

Bennett continued: “Oakhurst milk will continue to be Maine’s milk and distributed throughout Northern New England. Nothing has changed but the ownership. I look forward to continuing my role as a strategic advisor to the company.”

Dairy Farmers of America, operates as a milk marketing cooperative and a dairy processor with strategic investments in plants, products and partnerships that bring value to its farmer owners. In the past few years, the Cooperative has increased its investments in the fluid milk and ice cream category by purchasing other regional dairy processing facilities and brands including Guida’s Dairy in Connecticut, Kemps in Minnesota and Dairy Maid Dairy in Maryland. These local brands continue to run and function as separate, independent businesses.

“The Bennett family has established Oakhurst as a trusted local brand known for its long-lasting commitment to quality, integrity and freshness,” said Alan Bernon, President of Dairy Farmers of America’s Affiliate Division. “We are pleased to have them join us and are glad the Bennett family will continue to manage operations. As a company committed to doing the right thing for their suppliers, customers, employees and community, the Oakhurst and Dairy Farmers of America values align.”

About Dairy Farmers of America

Dairy Farmers of America is a national dairy marketing cooperative that serves and is owned by more than 13,000 members on more than 8,000 farms in 48 states. Dairy Farmers of America also is one of the country’s most diversified manufacturers of dairy products, food components and ingredients, and is a leader in formulating and packaging shelf-stable dairy products. For more information, call 1-888-DFA-MILK (332-6455) or visit www.dfamilk.com.

About Oakhurst Dairy

Oakhurst is northern New England’s leading local dairy brand. For more than 90 years, Oakhurst has stood behind every glass of milk and product. Oakhurst is committed to the health and well-being of the community and the environment in which it operates and contributes to local organizations that support healthy kids and a healthy environment – just another reason to choose Oakhurst, The Natural Goodness of Maine. For more information, visit www.oakhurstdairy.com.

In 2013, summer meals were served in all Maine counties for the first time, and the Maine DOE hopes to expand the program even further this yearAUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Education is seeking organizations to help provide low-income children healthy meals when school in not in session this summer.

Last summer, the Summer Food Service Program, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and administered by the Maine DOE, served 567,000 meals to children at more than 300 sites. Thanks to 97 sponsors, 2013 marked the first year the program was able to offer meals in all 16 Maine counties, and the Department hopes to expand to even more sites this summer.

The summer program may be offered statewide in areas or at sites in which more than 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program, or in which census track data supports the need. Organizations that provide services in rural communities or near migrant farm workers and American Indian populations are urged to participate.

Eligible sponsoring organizations include public or private schools, nonprofit residential summer camps, government agencies such as recreation programs and tax-exempt organizations including faith-based organizations. Potential sites where children can come to receive nutritious meals and snacks include schools, parks, playgrounds, housing projects, day camps, recreation centers, migrant centers, community centers and churches.

The Maine DOE is currently accepting applications for sponsors, with a major need for more meal sites in Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Washington and Hancock Counties. Approved sponsors will be reimbursed at established federal rates for all meals served to children.

Interested organizations should begin planning now as sponsors are required to participate in trainings, with current workshops scheduled Feb. 27 for experienced sponsors and April 17 for new sponsors.

“Schools may take a summer vacation, but hunger does not,” said Acting Education Commissioner Jim Rier. “Our Department is committed to ensuring Maine children continue to receive nutritious meals even after school closes for summer so they can grow, learn and play, and we’re able to do thanks to the support of generous organizations willing to serve as site sponsors.”

Portland, Maine - In a coordinated effort to assist veterans and those currently serving in the military with obtaining state licenses and locating jobs, state and private partners will hold an Occupational Licensing and Job Fair on March 4, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 772 Stevens Avenue Armory in Portland. Current and past military members are invited to attend, receive a printed Verification of Military Education and Training (VMET) and use relevant military experience toward licensing requirements in four licensed trades. Veterans must provide proof of honorable discharge (DD 214).

"Our veterans have served us with honor, and it is only right that we help them get back into the civilian workforce with a good-paying job," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "I encourage our veterans who want to work in these fields to attend the fair. Our Departments of Labor, Professional and Financial Regulation and Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management are collaborating in new ways to ensure our veterans get the support they deserve."

Staff from Maine's Department of Professional and Financial Regulation will be present to assist attendees in applying their military experience toward state requirements for obtaining an occupational license. Professionals in each field will also be on hand to help translate military training and education into civilian trade equivalency.

The Occupational Licensing and Job Fair for Veterans and Service Members will focus primarily on four occupations: **Electricians, Plumbers, Stationary Steam Engineers, Boiler Operators/Oil/ Propane/ Natural Gas/ Solid Fuel Technicians**.

Multiple employers with open positions in these respective fields will be present and conducting interviews at the Job Fair. Attendees are encouraged to bring a targeted resume, any relevant letters from current and former employers and dress in a professional manner, ready for an interview.

The event is made possible with help from the Maine Military and Community Network, the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, the Maine Department of Labor and Employers in Support of the Guard and Reserve. For more information, please contact Nathaniel Grace at Nathaniel.e.grace.mil@mail.mil or 207-430-5651.

Rockport, Maine - Bay Chamber Music School in Rockport is excited to announce Ukulele Group Classes including a new Youth class, led by ukulele instructor Jeff Weinberger, will begin the next session in February. The group classes will engage ukulele enthusiasts of all ages; Youth Beginners, Adult Beginners, and Adult Ensemble. Group Classes begin Monday February 24 and Wednesday February 26. . In partnership with K2 Music, students will receive a discounted rate on instruments. For more information on this offer please contact K2 Music.

The new Youth Beginner's class is intended to provide children with a fun, activity-centered musical experience. Students will focus on basic ukulele playing techniques, simple song learning, and engaging musical games. This 8 week class begins Wednesday Feb 26 (from 4:00-4:45), and is intended for ages 5 thru 12. Cost for this class is $80 plus materials.

The Adult Beginner class involves a song-based curriculum as a vehicle to learn technique, rhythm, and music theory concepts. Basic chords, strums and rhythms will be taught, and repertoire will span several genres ranging from Bob Marley and the Beatles, to country, folk, global and classical music. Students in the Adult Beginner class will gain basic musical skills and ukulele knowledge. This ukulele class bridges the gap between the informal group lesson setting and more formal private lessons. Expect a fun, non-intimidating, relaxed environment. Ages 12 and up are welcome to participate. A ukulele and Snark tuner are required. This 8 week class begins Monday Feb 24 (from 4:00-5:00). Cost for this class is $80 plus materials.

The Adult Ukulele Ensemble is an opportunity for intermediate and advanced players to play a varied repertoire of ensemble music arranged for multiple ukuleles. It is modeled after the Langley Ensemble, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and other groups with an emphasis on group interaction, parts playing, technical challenges, and improving overall musicianship. The repertoire will have a global theme and explore music of many lands. This is a non-auditioned ensemble and is parts will be assigned according to ability: there will be a part for everyone who wishes to participate. The director will supply arrangements and parts, just bring your ukulele, Snark tuner and enthusiasm. The Ukulele Ensemble will perform at the Bay Chamber Music School Odeon Concert on June 1. This 12 week class begins Monday Feb 24 (from 5:30-6:30). Ages 12 and up are welcome to participate. Cost for this class is $120 for the 12 weeks.

Jeff Weinberger, instructor, is a guitarist, ukulele player, and educator who has taught, played, written and recorded music in New England for over three decades. He received his Bachelors in Music from the University of Maine at Augusta and maintains a private teaching practice and a guest teaching position at the Belfast Cornerspring Montessori School. Jeff has recorded his original music with some of the Midcoast’s finest musicians. For more information about Jeff, his Ukulele Group Classes or any of Bay Chamber's offerings, please contact Joan Kulle at 207-236-2823 or visit www.baychamberconcerts.org.

President Barack Obama waves to a camera while he greets audience members after delivering remarks on the federal minimum wage, at Costco in Lanham, Md., Jan. 29, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

In the morning, the President and Vice President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office.

Later in the morning, the President and Vice President will convene a group of CEOs and other leaders around supporting best practices for hiring the long-term unemployed.

In the afternoon, the President will hold an event to outline new efforts to help the long-term unemployed. The Vice President will also attend. Following these remarks, Administration officials will host two panel discussions on the topic.

Later in the afternoon, President Obama will take a virtual road trip across the country via Google+ Hangouts to discuss the issues and policies laid out in the speech with people joining from around the United States. This event will be streamed live on WhiteHouse.gov,YouTube.com/whitehouse, and the White House Google+ page.

9:45AM

The President and Vice President receive the Presidential Daily Briefing

Oval Office

10:30AM

The President and the Vice President meet with CEOs

The State Dining Room

11:30AM

The President delivers remarks outlining new efforts to help the long-term unemployed; the Vice President also attends

The East Room

12:30PM

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney

2:00PM

The President participates in a virtual road trip across the country via Google+ Hangout to discuss his State of the Union Address

Camden, Maine - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, which provides 1-to-1 youth mentoring services to six Maine counties, recently moved its main office from Rockland to Camden.

The agency, which serves more than 530 Maine children in Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset and Waldo Counties, has operated in the Midcoast for more than 36 years.

The new Camden office is located at 48 Washington St. The office is located at the back of the building with its main entrance adjacent to the parking lot where the Camden Farmers Market is held.

In addition to the Camden location, the agency also has 3 satellite offices located in Bangor (at the Bangor Y); Waterville (at the Alfond Youth Center); and Damariscotta (at Farrin Properties).

“We are excited to be part of the Camden community,” says Alex Gaeth, CEO. “We have School-Based Mentoring programs locally at Camden-Rockport Elementary, Lincolnville Central School, Appleton Village School, Hope Elementary, and at South School in Rockland.

We also have many volunteer opportunities for members of the community who are interested in helping youth,” he says. “These include general office work, serving as a School Coordinator, helping with special events, data entry, and of course, being a mentor and special friend to a local child.”

Pirates (16-16-2-7, 41 points) vs. IceCaps (24-16-1-2, 51 Points), 7:00 PM ESTLewiston, Maine – The Pirates start their first three games in three days home series since March of 2010 Friday night when they face the St. John’s IceCaps at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston. Puck drops at 7 PM for the 6th meeting of the year between the two teams.

The Pirates snapped a 6 game winless streak in their last game, defeating the Springfield Falcons 4-3 in a shootout on Sunday. Chris Brown was the offensive leader, scoring twice, and Andy Miele added his team leading 18th goal of the season. Once again, a Pirates game was not decided in regulation, the third of the weekend, and the Pirates would eventually prevail in a shootout with Miele scoring the game winning goal.

The IceCaps are on a 4 game winning streak, defeating the Providence Bruins 3-1 last Sunday on Sunday. Former Providence goaltender Michael Hutchinson made 34 saves for the IceCaps while Andrew Gordon, Brenden Kichton, and Jason Jaffray tallied goals for St. John’s. The win moved the IceCaps into 7th in the Eastern Conference with 51 points.

The Pirates and IceCaps last clashed in a 3 game series in St. John’s, which the IceCaps won 2-1. The series was marked with two travel delays for the Pirates, which resulted in a 3 game series played in 3 days. Brandon McMillan has led the Pirates in scoring against the IceCaps, tallying 5 assists in 5 games, while Lucas Lessio, Tobias Rieder, and Brendan Shinnimin each have tallied 2 goals. Louis Domingue has made 4 appearances against the IceCaps this season, with a record of 1-1. On the IceCaps side, Eddie Pasquale has played in every game against the Pirates this season, registering a .943 save percentage and a 1.88 goals against average.

KeyBank Key to the Game

Regularity: The Pirates have played in 14 overtime and shootout games this season, the equivalent of one entire regulation game in extra time. All three of the Pirates’ games last weekend went past regulation and 8 home games have gone to shootouts. The Pirates need to shorten the game and win in regulation in order to save their energy for the second half grind.

Tonight’s game can be heard on the Pirates flagship stations WPEI 95.5/95.9 FM as well as WEZR AM 1240 in the Lewiston/Auburn area and WTME AM 780/1450 in Oxford County. The game can also be heard online at portlandpirates.com by clicking “Listen Live” and can be seen live on AHL Live at ahllive.com. The pregame show starts at 6:40 with Jeff Mannix and special guest Mike Lee.

Tickets are available at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee by calling 783-2009 ext. 525 or online at thecolisee.com. Take advantage of the Pirates special weekend offer for this weekend only by calling 828-4665 or online on portlandpirates.com - $8 tickets if you purchase tickets to two of this weekend’s games and a signed yearbook!

Follow all the action on the Pirates official Facebook page and Twitter account (@PortlandPirates) with the hashtag #PiratesHome.

Secretary Kerry is on foreign travel to Berlin and Munich, Germany. Secretary Kerry is accompanied by Assistant Secretary Toria Nuland, Spokesperson Jen Psaki, Vice Admiral Kurt Tidd, JCS, and Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for European Affairs Karen Donfried.

3:00 p.m. Counselor Shannon meets with the Washington International Business Council, in Washington, DC.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIAN AFFAIRS NISHA BISWAL

Assistant Secretary Biswal is on travel to Sri Lanka from January 31 to February 2.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS EVAN RYAN
Assistant Secretary Ryan is on travel to Kigali, Rwanda to meet with civil society leaders and to accompany American mentors from leading companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley to a TechWomen event.

SPECIAL ENVOY AND COORDINATOR FOR INTERNATION ENERGY AFFAIRS CARLOS PASCUAL

3:00 p.m. Ambassador Pascual delivers introductory remarks on “Transparency in Extractive Industries,” at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC.

Thomaston, Maine - Trekkers will hold its annual community meeting for the 7th grade Teen Trekkers program on Wednesday, February 5th from 5:30 to 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in the gymnasium at Oceanside West High School. The Teen Trekkers program is open to all 7th grade students living in the communities of Cushing, Owls Head, Rockland, South Thomaston, St. George, and Thomaston.

The purpose of this meeting is to inform students and their families about the overall Trekkers program, to explain the selection process and to share how students become eligible to participate. Executive Director Don Carpenter will discuss the 7th grade program in detail and will also give an overview of the how the Trekkers program follows a student from 7th grade through their senior year of high school. There will also be time available to answer any questions that families have about the organization.

For those who are unable to attend the meeting or who want more information about Trekkers’ 7th Grade Teen Trekkers program, please call the Trekkers office at 594-5095. In case of inclement weather and afterschool activities are canceled, the community meeting will be held on February 6th.

—Weekday blasting operations to start next week—Lewiston, Maine - The Maine Turnpike Authority has begun mobilizing crews and safety equipment for a project to construct a new interchange that will replace the existing Lewiston Exit 80 Turnpike Interchange and replace both bridges which carry Turnpike traffic over Alfred Plourde Parkway. Work will take place during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, with some occasional weekend and night work, if necessary.

The project, scheduled for completion in 2017, will redesign the interchange at its current location to improve traffic operations, accommodate long-term traffic projections and create consistency with existing and planned development in the area. The project also realigns the four on-and-off-ramps into one intersection instead of two. The new interchange has been designed as a Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI). It will be the first SPUI interchange design in Maine.

Construction work on the project will be completed in three phases. Each phase includes specific work and advance notification will be sent for each phase of construction, including planned traffic impacts. More detailed project information can be found online at www.MaineTurnpike.com

Phase One work, which has started, includes the following:

· Redesigning the four on-and-off ramps, including construction of a new northbound on-ramp

· Projected traffic stops and temporary closures of the on-and-off ramps will take place intermittently throughout the duration of project construction for the safety of crews and motorists.

· In addition to the intermittent ramp closures, it will be necessary to implement several long-term full ramp closures, which will require traffic to take alternate routes to and from the interchange. Long-term closures include:

1. The northbound off-ramp exiting the Turnpike (6 days in late July).

2. The southbound off-ramp exiting the Turnpike (4 days in August).

3. The southbound on-ramp entering the Turnpike (14 days in September)

· Drilling and blasting areas of rock ledge will be necessary to construct the new northbound on-ramp. Blasting operations are scheduled to take place up to twice a day, weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., for up to four months. Traffic stops of up to 8 minutes on the Turnpike and Alfred Plourde Parkway can be expected during blasting, which is scheduled to commence next week, weather permitting.

Phase Two project construction is scheduled to begin in late 2014 and includes:

· Median crossovers will be constructed and result in one-lane traffic in both directions over the northbound bridge while the southbound bridge is demolished and rebuilt in 2015.

· In 2016, traffic in both directions will be diverted to one-lane over the new southbound bridge while the northbound bridge is demolished and rebuilt.

Phase Three project construction includes construction to align the four interchange ramps to a newly built traffic signal intersection under the new bridges

The Maine Turnpike urges all motorists to be alert, watch for construction signs and warnings and slow speeds to posted limits when approaching and traveling through construction areas.

R.J. Grondin & Sons (Gorham, ME) is the primary contractor for Phase One of the project with a contract cost of $5.1 million. The total Exit 80 Interchange Project cost is estimated at approximately $15.5 million.

The project was developed by the Maine Turnpike Authority in close collaboration with the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) and the City of Lewiston.

Visit MaineTurnpike.com for more information on Turnpike projects and weekly construction advisories and lane closure reports. Motorists can also sign up to receive travel alerts by email and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for timely travel alerts and additional Turnpike information. For more information on this interchange project, please contact Dan Morin, Maine Turnpike Public Relations, at (207) 482-8154 and DMorin@MaineTurnpike.com, or Erin Courtney, at (207) 482-8119 and ECourtney@MaineTurnpike.com.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Portland Maine – The Portland Fire department has concluded its investigation into a fast moving 3 alarm blaze that destroyed an Irving St apartment building January 19th.

Captain Keith Gautreau, the lead fire investigator for the Portland Fire Department, states “The cause will be undetermined due to a lack of physical evidence.”

Investigators had made several attempts to gather evidence, but, the damage to the building was so severe that investigators were unable to safely enter the remnants of the building.

Fire Chief Jerome LaMoria indicates that city officials have “deemed that the building is dangerous and individuals should not enter. Anyone entering the building does so at their own risk.” LaMoria also reasserts that working smoke detectors in the building prevented a real tragedy that night. I can’t stress this enough: smoke detectors save lives.” City officials continue to work with the owner to ensure that the building and premises meet minimum safety requirements.

The fire was reported shortly after 9:30 PM on Sunday January 19th, 2014 requiring a three alarm response from the Portland Fire Department. No injuries were reported.

Bangor, Maine - Husson University announced today that it will showcase its new Southern Maine campus at 340 County Road in Westbrook, Maine at a grand opening ceremony on Tuesday, February 4 at 12:00 p.m. The event, featuring a ribbon cutting, will celebrate the variety of advanced educational opportunities now available to Southern Maine area students and employers through this respected institution of higher learning.

The new three-acre Southern Maine campus has over 17,000 square feet of space, offering students both undergraduate and graduate degrees in 20 professional-oriented programs. With 15 classrooms, the renovated and modernized facility can offer more classes, to more students, than the previous location in South Portland. This is the first time Husson University has owned property and educational facilities outside of Bangor.

“In addition to serving our current students, we look forward to serving the more than 200,000 Maine adults who have earned some college credits but have yet to complete a degree,” said Charles P. Collins, Ed.D., Executive Director of Husson University’s Southern Maine Campus. “Degrees enhance the earning power of individuals. In addition, a more educated workforce makes our state more attractive to businesses interested in relocating. The investment Husson University has made in this facility, clearly demonstrates our commitment to improving the lives and livelihoods of individuals, families, and businesses in the ‘Pine Tree State.’”

Collins will be a featured speaker during the grand opening ceremony. Other presenters include:

· Robert A. Clark, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Husson University

In reflecting on the benefits of the new Westbrook location, Collins said, “We’re just a little over a mile from Interstate 95 at the corner of County Road and Spring Street. That makes our new campus both convenient and accessible to the thousands of high school graduates and working professionals in Southern Maine who are interested in furthering their education.”

Undergraduate degree programs open to students through Husson’s Southern Maine Campus include: Accounting; Business Administration; Business and Professional Studies; Criminal Justice; Elementary Education; Hospitality Management; Paralegal Studies; and Software Development.

Graduate degree programs are also available. They include: Business Administration (MBA); Criminal Justice Administration; Human Relations; Nursing; Pastoral Counseling; and School Counseling. A certificate program in Paralegal Studies as well as an Alternative Teacher Certification program are also offered at the Southern Maine campus.

“We understand that students are often trying to earn their degrees while juggling competing career and family obligations. The flexible formats of Husson’s educational offerings are designed to meet the needs of today’s busy professional while respecting individuals’ personal learning style preferences,” said Collins.

More About Husson University

For more than 100 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. Today, Husson has over 4,000 alumni in Southern Maine and a network of more than 20,000 alumni nationwide. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education. Our Bangor campus and off-campus satellite education centers in Southern Maine, Wells and Northern Maine provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu.

Portland, Maine - Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine and the Portland Pirates and are excited to announce the return of their collaborative program that recognizes local heroes in the community.

The Anthem Community Angels program recognizes community "angels,” people in the local community who have led, created or otherwise been influential in activities that strengthen the community.

Examples include building a playground, raising money to help an individual or family in a difficult situation, involvement in youth athletics or other activities and regularly volunteering with a local non-profit.

“We know there are many local angels who work endlessly to better the community and believe it is important to recognize and support them in their efforts,” said Daniel Corcoran, president and general manager of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. “We’re accepting nominations now and encourage the general public to nominate deserving volunteers from communities across the state of Maine.”

“The Pirates are excited for the opportunity to partner with Anthem to honor local ‘angels’ for the third year,” said Brian Petrovek, Pirates CEO. “We encourage the public to nominate deserving individuals on our website and we look forward to hosting the honorees at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee this season.”

Up to eight honorees will be chosen before the conclusion of the 2013-14 season. Each honoree will be recognized at a home game in an on-ice ceremony and will receive a framed Pirates jersey. In addition, Anthem will make a $500 donation in the honoree’s name to a health-related non-profit of his or her choice.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin

Following committee reviews, three proposed public charter schools including one in Lewiston and two virtuals have moved to the next stage in the State’s application process, which includes public hearings next weekAugusta, Maine - The public will have the opportunity to weigh-in next week on three public charter schools proposed to open in Maine this fall.

Earlier today, Maine Charter School Commission (MCSC) members working in small review teams presented their recommendations on four applications, with the entire seven-member Commission then voting to advance applications from Lewiston-Auburn Academy Charter School, Lewiston; Maine Connections Academy; and Maine Virtual Academy. The application for Many Hands Montessori School in Windham did not move forward.

The Commission will now consider the proposed public schools, and hold in-person interviews and a public hearing on each application next week before voting at its March 4 meeting whether to enter into contract negotiations with each applicant or deny the application. All proceedings are open to the public.

The in-person interview for the applicants proposing the virtual Maine Connections Academy will be held on Monday, Feb.3 from noon to 3 p.m., also in the Richard J. Randall Student Center Lounge at the University of Maine at Augusta. A public hearing will follow at the same location from 4 to 7 p.m. and written comments will be accepted by the Commission through 1 p.m. on Feb. 11.

The in-person interview for the applicants proposing the online Maine Virtual Academy will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Richard J. Randall Student Center Lounge at the University of Maine at Augusta. A public hearing will follow at the same location from 4 to 7 p.m. and written comments will be accepted by the Commission through 1 p.m. on Feb. 12.

The in-person interview for the applicants proposing the Lewiston-Auburn Academy Charter School will be held on Friday, Feb. 7 from noon to 3 p.m. in Room 103 of Kirk Hall at Central Maine Community College in Auburn. A public hearing will follow at the same location from 4 to 7 p.m. and written comments will be accepted by the Commission through 1 p.m. on Feb. 15.

Written public comment on any of the applications can be sent to mcsc@maine.gov or the Maine Charter School Commission, 182 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0182. Submissions can also be delivered in-person to the 5th Floor of the Burton Cross State House Office Building in Augusta.

In 2011, Governor Paul R. LePage signed legislation making Maine the 41st state to allow charter schools and establishing the seven-member Commission as an authorizer of up to 10 public charter schools through June 30, 2022. Local school boards can additionally authorize public charter schools.

Currently, there are five charter schools effectively serving more than 400 Maine students including Cornville Regional Charter School, the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences in Hinckley, Baxter Academy for Technology and Science in Portland, Fiddlehead School of Arts and Science in Gray and Harpswell Coastal Academy.

For more information about the Maine Charter School Commission or to see the current applications under review, visit www.maine.gov/csc.

Rockland resident Meghan Vigeant will present her multimedia documentary, Untouchable Love, about inter-caste marriage in Nepal at the Camden Library at 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 13. Vigeant’s presentation centers on two young dance teachers in Nepal. Nisha and Raj Kumar kept their love a secret for five years; when they finally eloped, Nisha’s family reacted with rage, violence, demonstrations, and kidnapping. They did not want their high-caste daughter to marry an “untouchable,” the lowest rung on the social ladder of the caste system. Their story offers a surprising discovery of freedom.

The presentation uses a mix of photos, audio, video, animation, and Vigeant’s live narration to tell the story; “it’s like a cross between a documentary video and a PowerPoint presentation,” Vigeant explains. Vigeant traveled to Nepal in November 2012 specifically to document Nisha and Raj’s story, and to research the caste system in Nepal. She learned that the caste system is not unique to Nepal, and can be found in over twelve countries. Unions between different castes are still taboo in Nepal, despite new laws. Many of those at the bottom of the caste system suffer from everyday inequalities, as well as horrible acts of violence and injustice. Some untouchables call themselvesdalits, meaning “broken people.”

“I wanted to show audiences how discrimination can be subtle,” Vigeant says. “There are so many disheartening stories of the struggles dalits face such as rape, violence, aggression, and institutionalized discrimination. Untouchable Love is a story of hope in the midst of those struggles. Nisha and Raj represent an emerging trend in Nepal and Southeast Asia, and their story reveals a new Nepal where people are judged, not by caste, but by their hearts.”

Attendees can enjoy a cup of Nepali tea before the presentation. A question and answer session will follow the half-hour presentation. Untouchable Love will also be presented at the Sheepscot General in Whitefield on Friday, February 7 at 6 pm.

In addition to her interest in documenting stories like Nisha and Raj’s, Vigeant is a personal historian who helps people to write and publish their family history and memoirs. More information about Vigeant and her business, Legacy Preserves, can be found at www.legacypreserves.com. To watch a trailer of Untouchable Love or to find links to learn more about dalits please go to untouchablelovestory.wordpress.com.

Stockton Springs, Maine - Coastal Mountains Land Trust and the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition (BBWC) offer a winter exploration of the Main Stream Preserve in conjunction with the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend, a statewide event that promotes outdoor activities for all, sponsored by the Maine Outdoor Coalition.

The hike will explore the Main Stream Preserve in Stockton Springs on Saturday, February 15 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Ellen Skoczenski, Membership Coordinator for the Land Trust and Skip Pendleton of the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition will lead the excursion via snowshoe or cross country ski to explore the 250-acre preserve. Participants should come prepared for a challenging excursion; there are no established trails and footing may be uneven. Extra layers and water are recommended. The location of entry to the preserve will depend on weather and conditions, so participants should meet at the intersection of Route 1 and the Harris Road in Stockton Springs to carpool or get directions.

Coastal Mountains Land Trust has worked since 1986 to permanently conserve land to benefit the natural and human communities of the western Penobscot Bay. The Land Trust has protected over 9,300 acres to date. For more information about this event, other preserves or the Land Trust please call (207) 236-7091 or visit www.coastalmountains.org.

The Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition is a group of individuals working to support conservation and stewardship of natural, scenic, historic, and public access resources of the Belfast Bay watershed through research, community-building, and education. For more information, visit www.belfastbaywatershed.org.

Lewiston, Maine - Michael Corea, M.D., a urologist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is practicing at the Central Maine Urology Center in Lewiston.

Corea has practiced urology in the greater Lewiston-Auburn area since the spring of 2012 when he began working on a part-time basis at the Central Maine Urology Center. Prior to joining the Lewiston-based urology practice, he was a member of Fore River Urology in Portland and performed surgery at Mercy Hospital in Portland. His professional background also includes four years practicing in Rockledge, Fla.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he earned his medical degree at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, also in Madison. He completed an internship in general surgery and a residency in urology at Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, R.I. He served as chief resident in urology during his final year of training.

He is certified by the American Board of Urology, and is a member of the American Urological Association.

He is practicing in affiliation with urologists Jordan M. Kurta, M.D., and Paul R. Mailhot, M.D., nurse practitioner Rosa Hamilton, and physician assistant Heather Renihan. The center is located at 287 Main Street Plaza, Suite 404, in Lewiston, and can be reached at 795-2171.

Project Puffin: History and Success with Seabird Sue talk to kick off Belfast Garden Club and Belfast Free Library Evening Speaker’s Series

On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 6:30pm Belfast Garden Club and Belfast Free Library partner to kick off their free winter evening programs series, “Wildlife Conservation in Maine” in Belfast Free Library’s Abbott Room. The February 11th talk will be Project Puffin: History and Success with Seabird Sue.

The National Audubon Society started Project Puffin in 1973 in an effort to restore puffins to historic nesting islands in the Gulf of Maine. For 300 years, Atlantic puffins and other Maine seabirds suffered from intense hunting for their eggs, meat and feathers, until Maine’s first bird protection law was passed in 1901. By that time, their numbers had been severely depleted, and they had disappeared from most of their traditional nesting sites.

Susan Schubel (Seabird Sue), Outreach Educator for Project Puffin, biologist and artist, will describe the activities and techniques used in the restoration projects. Sue has introduced more than 10,000 students to Maine’s rich ecology and Audubon’s Seabird Restoration Project through many activities of her own design.

Figures of Speech Theatre Receives National Endowment for the Arts Grant

to Support Development of the little match girl passion

Grant One of 895 NEA Art Works Grants Funded Nationwide

Freeport, Maine — National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa announced today that Figures of Speech Theatre is one of 895 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. Figures of Speech Theatre is recommended for a $10,000 grant to support the development of its adaptation of David Lang’s the little match girl passion.
The performance will be a visual tapestry of puppets, objects and film projections surrounding the four singers called for in Lang’s extraordinarily beautiful composition.
Lang won the Pulitzer Prize for music in 2008 for the score, which refigures the Hans Christian Andersen story about the suffering and death of a young match seller as a Passion, drawing from the Andersen text and from the libretto of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. Of the piece, Pulitzer-juror and Washington Post columnist Tim Page said, "I don't think I've ever been so moved by a new, and largely unheralded, composition as I was by David Lang's the little match girl passion, which is unlike any music I know."
There are 5 phases to the entire multi-year project, which is currently in Phase 2.
Phase 1: Conceptual development (complete)
Phase 2: Creation of puppets, objects and projected imagery in 2014
Phase 3: Workshop production without singers in 2015
Phase 4: Full production with singers in 2015 or 2016
Phase 5: Touring the performance, beginning in 2016
Acting Chairman Shigekawa said, "The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support these exciting and diverse arts projects that will take place throughout the United States. Whether it is through a focus on education, engagement, or innovation, these projects all contribute to vibrant communities and memorable experiences for the public to engage with the arts."
Figures of Speech Theatre’s Artistic Director John Farrell has had his eyes set on this production since first hearing the music two years ago. As he describes it, “I was deeply moved by the music when I first heard it, and the piece seemed to be a perfect vehicle for Figures of Speech Theatre’s visionary weave of puppet-and-actor theater. Composer David Lang has given us his enthusiastic permission to use his score as the musical basis for this performance,
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saying, ‘I know how much puppets can do in telling a story like this one.’”
The grant was part of the Endowment’s commitment to the development or production of new works of theater for American audiences, and Farrell is clearly pleased that his company received a significant award. “How big a deal is this?” he asks. “Of the 160 grants awarded nationwide in the theater discipline, only 2 were made to theaters in Maine.”
Art Works grants support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence: public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and enhancing the livability of communities through the arts. The NEA received 1,528 eligible Art Works applications, requesting more than $75 million in funding. Of those applications, 895 are recommended for grants for a total of $23.4 million.
For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at arts.gov.
Founded in 1982 to explore the interplay of puppets, actors, shadows, movement, and masks, Figures of Speech Theatre is a four-time recipient of the coveted UNIMA Citation of Excellence, the highest distinction in American puppet theater, as well as numerous grant awards from organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Jim Henson Foundation, and the New England Foundation for the Arts. Figures of Speech Theatre’s unique approach to theater, and especially to the interaction of actors and puppets on stage, has led to collaborations with other organizations such as Portland Stage Company, Heartwood Regional Theater, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra.
To find out more about this and other productions, please visit the Figures of Speech Theatre website at www.figures.org.

Orono, Maine - Twelve hours. 720 minutes. 43,200 seconds of dancing for miracles! This Saturday, February 1, more than 600 University of Maine students will be dancing for twelve hours at the third annual UMaine BearFest Dance Marathon for the Kids to benefit EMHS Foundation Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. It all starts at 6 pm at the University of Maine New Balance Student Recreation Center in Orono.

Dance Marathon is a national movement among colleges, universities, and high schools to raise money for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. “UMaine’s BearFest Dance Marathon for the Kids is the only one of its kind in Maine,” explains Kelly Pearson, director, EMHS Foundation Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “In its first year, students raised $30,000. Last year, they raised more than $47,000. This year, the sky is the limit.”

“There’s no other event like this at UMaine that brings students from all walks of campus together to benefit our community,” notes Theo Koboski, UMaine BearFest 2014 co-chair. “Thousands of dollars are being raised to help kids and their families in our own backyard, and it’s the students who are making it happen,” adds co-chair Jamie Steven.

Today, Thursday, January 30, there are two great opportunities for community members to support the students’ efforts.

Pizzeria Uno in Bangor is hosting a Dough Rai$er fundraiser throughout the day. They’ll donate 20 percent of each bill to UMaine BearFest for customers who present a voucher.

Sweet Frog in Bangor will host Spirit Night tonight from 5 to 9 pm. UMaine BearFest will receive 20 percent of patrons’ totals who present a voucher or who let them know they are supporting the event.

Bangor, Maine - The Gracie Theatre at Husson University will screen the documentary film “How to Survive a Plague” on February 12 at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

“How to Survive a Plague”, (nominated for a 2012 Academy Award® and featured on over twenty “Top Ten” lists), addresses AIDS in America through the eyes of young activists; many of whom were HIV-positive young men. The film documents how these dedicated advocates took on both Washington and medical establishments to change the public perception of this dreaded disease. As a result of their efforts, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) went from being an automatic death sentence to becoming a manageable condition.

“Even though AIDS affects everyday Americans, many people find it difficult to talk about this subject and would prefer to “sweep it under the rug.” Those who see “How to Survive a Plague” will come away with an increased understanding of this terrible disease and the struggle associated with finding a cure. The individuals profiled in this exceptional movie also serve as inspirational role models. They are living examples of how it is possible to make positive change in American society,” said Nico Jenkins, lecturer in the Ethics and Philosophy program at Husson University.

More than simply a historical documentary, “How To Survive a Plague” is, according to Frank Bruni of The New York Times, “a model for the here and now of social change.” Mary Pols of TIME magazine said that the film, beyond being a graphic and heart wrenching portrayal of a time of terror in our nation’s history, will also “teach you something about courage, dedication and the power of well-directed anger.”

“How To Survive a Plague” is part of a documentary film series presented at the Gracie Theatre at Husson University and hosted by Jenkins as part of an effort to help stimulate awareness and discussion of critical moral and ethical issues. The next movie in the series, “The Central Park Five,” will be shown on March 27.

Introductory remarks, prior to the screening of the film, will be made by Beth Allen, Program Director of EqualityMaine. This public advocacy organization works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Maine through political action, community organizing, education, and collaboration. For more information about the screening, contact the box office at The Gracie at 941-7888 or visit GracieTheatre.com.

Completed in October of 2009, The Gracie is Husson University's center for the fine and performing arts. This beautiful new 500-seat theatre is quickly earning a reputation as one of Maine’s premier performance venues. In addition, The Gracie also serves as a learning platform for students from the New England School of Communications in digital audio, sound mixing, set design and construction, lighting, acting and electronics. For more information, visit GracieTheatre.com

For more than 100 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through high quality undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education. Our Bangor campus and off-campus satellite education centers in Southern Maine, Wells and Northern Maine provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu

Old Fort Western is proud to present the 2014 Winter Lecture Series on Sundays during February and March.

Please join us for a series of 7 lectures tying together 18th century themes and sites on the Kennebec. This year Old Fort Western joins the Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA) in presenting 2 of the seven lectures to be held in Wiscasset. Admission is FREE, however, donations are gratefully accepted and proceeds will benefit Old Fort Westerns educational programming. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, please call 626-2385 or e-mail oldfort@oldfortwestern.org.

Lewiston, Maine - The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will sponsor a bake sale and free blood pressure screenings as part of its observation of American Heart Month in February.

The bake sale will be held on Go Red for Women Day, February 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Central Maine Medical Center 60 High Street Main Lobby. Proceeds will benefit the Central Maine Heart Walk.

A special blood pressure screening will be offered on February 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Central Maine Heart Associates (CMHA) offices on the ground floor of the 60 High Street building. Anyone wanting to participate in the blood pressure screening should inquire at the CMHA reception desk. CMHA staff will perform the screenings.

Lewiston, Maine - “Carpal Tunnel and Other Common Treatable Problems of the Hand” is the subject of a special presentation set for February 6 at Central Maine Medical Center.

Orthopaedic surgeon Lauren Adey, M.D., will discuss the symptoms of carpal tunnel and what can be done to prevent and treat this common problem affecting the hand. She will also discuss some of the causes of thumb pain, including tendonitis and arthritis.

Adey is a fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon who practices with Central Maine Orthopaedics (CMO) in Auburn. Her practice focus is surgery of the hand, wrist and elbow.

Before joining CMO, Adey completed the nationally recognized Massachusetts General Hospital Hand Surgery Fellowship and the Harvard University Orthopaedic Residency Program, both in Boston. She also completed a six-month sports medicine fellowship at Children's Hospital/Beth Israel Hospital in Boston.

Adey graduated cum laude from Williams College in Williamstown, Mass., and from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.

She is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of the New England Hand Society, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

“Carpal Tunnel and Other Common Fixable Problems of the Hand” will be offered on February 6 beginning at 6 p.m. in the Chairmen’s Rooms on the lower level of the 12 High Street medical office building in Lewiston.

The presentation is being sponsored by the Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine, a partnership of Central Maine Medical Center and Central Maine Orthopaedics.

To register or for more information, call 783-1328. Registrations can also be made via email at RSVP@cmogroup.org